[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 90 (Friday, June 1, 2018)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E756]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 IN RECOGNITION OF THE 100TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE REPUBLIC OF AZERBAIJAN

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. MARK MEADOWS

                           of north carolina

                    in the house of representatives

                          Friday, June 1, 2018

  Mr. MEADOWS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 100th 
anniversary of the establishment of the Republic of Azerbaijan, then 
known as the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic. As the first Muslim-
majority nation to embrace secular, elected government, Azerbaijan will 
always be a model for states who aim for progress, ongoing reform, and 
a step towards bettering the lives of their people. On behalf of the 
people of North Carolina, I also recognize the contributions of the 
Azerbaijani community in my home state.
  After the landmark 1918 independence declaration, a Bolshevik 
invasion cut short Azerbaijani independence. Yet, this dream was never 
extinguished, and in 1991 Azerbaijanis again created their own 
independence movement, successfully declaring their own state. Each 
time Azerbaijan reasserted its independence, the United States has been 
quick to recognize Azerbaijan. We should be proud of the lasting and 
valuable relationship we have enjoyed ever since.
  Azerbaijan is a crucial and irreplaceable ally in the global fight 
against terror and an exemplary partner with the United States. I look 
forward to deepened bilateral cooperation, including towards the 
fullest realization of our commitments to good, democratic governance, 
trade, and progress in the Caspian region and beyond. As a country 
bordering both Russia and Iran, Azerbaijan's membership in NATO's 
Partnership for Peace program is particularly important. Azerbaijan has 
emerged as a crucially important transportation route for supplying 
U.S. operations, and I want to recognize Azerbaijan for providing 
troops to the U.S.-led mission in Afghanistan and for allowing NATO 
planes to use Azerbaijani airspace.
  Throughout my time in Congress, my colleagues and I on either side of 
the aisle have united in our staunch support of Israel. As a modern, 
secular Muslim country, Azerbaijan shares these values and stands out 
among its neighbors in the region for the strength and durability of 
this bond with Israel. As a nation with a Jewish community dating back 
many hundreds of years, and as a major provider of oil to Israel, the 
Azerbaijani-Israeli relationship, and indeed the Azerbaijani-American 
relationship, are on a path to greater cooperation and shared 
prosperity.
  It is important that Congress recognizes the historic milestones of 
our allies, especially those in a region where close cooperation with 
America is valuable and scarce. This is why I would like to recognize 
and congratulate Azerbaijan for the 100th anniversary of independence.